A calm sea with a boat anchored near a small island.

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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
21 Aug - 23 Aug
In two weeks
28 Aug - 30 Aug
In one month
11 Sept - 13 Sept
In two months
9 Oct - 11 Oct

Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu hostels

Fridge, microwave, electric kettle, toaster

1. Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu

Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (5 reviews)
"Unique,very beautiful, clean and tidy....nice "
Malaysia
Imran
The price is HK$144
HK$175 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Aug - 29 Aug
Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu
Living area

2. Signel Hostel

Signel Hostel
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (20 reviews)
"Friendly staff and cozy comfy beds - would definitely stay again "
United Kingdom
Richard
The price is HK$121
HK$150 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Aug - 17 Aug
Signel Hostel
Café

3. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social

TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (13 reviews)
"Enjoyable stay and a great budget property choice. Staff were all helpful, Wi-Fi good, rooms, although snug, more than adequate for sleeping and showering. The one thing that let the property down was the lack of options at breakfast. Everyday a different breakfast meal was given but you had no idea what it would be and didn’t have another option to choose if it wasn’t to your liking. That said, the quality of the food was good. Would happily stay at the property again if looking for somewhere...
United Kingdom
Wayne
The price is HK$427
HK$481 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social
Reception

4. Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge - Hostel

Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge - Hostel
2.0 star property
Ranau
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (33 reviews)
"Very near to Poring Hot Spring Park. The hosts were very helpful and kind."
Singapore
Seok Lan
The price is HK$234
HK$296 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Aug - 17 Aug
Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"Great swimming pool with view of the sunset. The 24 hour gym is very nice. The restaurant on the 6th floor on the same floor as the gym and pool is very good too, though a bit expensive for what you get. They did allow substitutions, for example substituting a fried chicken sandwich for a grilled chicken sandwich, and having sauces on the side. You just have to ask them for this. The ground floor restaurant is more affordable, but most of the dishes serve fried meat, so it’s not a good choice for health conscious eaters. The bed was very comfortable, though not long enough for taller people, which resulted in my feet hanging off the end. All of the staff are very friendly and helpful. The location is excellent, with so many places within walking distance, be it outdoor fresh fish restaurants, night markets, during street, jetties for boat excursions, etc. What’s nice too is in the lobby there is kind of a small mall, with an Orange convenience store, a souvenir shop, and chocolate shop, a Burger King, and a terrific Cantonese style fish restaurant. It’s nice sometimes to not go out in the heat and have a nice meal. I found that the fish restaurant was the best place to eat in the hotel and mall complex. Nearby within walking distance are large shopping malls, including a place called Wisma Merdeka, which is the best place to change money. Be warned though , that this downtown area is dirty and maybe even scary to some, so take that into consideration."
Brian 10-night trip
Posted 5 days ago
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Find out more about Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Hostels information

Number of reviews
58
Accommodation
23 Hostels
Lowest Price
HK$150
Highest Price
HK$481

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
Hostels are a great way to stay for a lower cost, so you can save your money for sightseeing. We've heard good things about this destination's natural setting, including its island views and natural parks.
What is a hostel?
These dorm-style accommodations come in quite a few forms, but they all have three main things in common, including budget-friendly prices, a social setting and shared rooms (though many have private options too).
What are the best hostels in Kota Kinabalu?
Based on our customers' reviews, these Kota Kinabalu hostels have the highest ratings: Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu - Property features include free Wi-Fi and a lift. You'll find towels, showers and hairdryers in all rooms. Escape Backpackers KK - Property features include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and tour/ticket assistance. You'll find towels, showers and hairdryers in all rooms. Signel Hostel - You can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and a TV in a common area, as well as multilingual staff. Rooms come with towels, showers and hairdryers. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social - Property features include free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a bar. Rooms come with towels, showers and bed sheets. X-Plorer Backpackers - Hostel - Property features include free Wi-Fi, tour/ticket assistance and a TV in a common area. You'll find towels, showers and bed sheets in all rooms.
How many hostels will I find in Kota Kinabalu?
If you're in the market for an affordable place to stay in Kota Kinabalu, one of Expedia's 16 hostels might be a great option.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
Good weather's always better when you're discovering new places, so here's a little information that may be helpful: The hottest months are usually May and June, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 27°C. The rainiest months in Kota Kinabalu are January, November, December and October, with each month seeing an average of 251 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Kota Kinabalu?
In general, Kota Kinabalu is known for its boating opportunities, snorkelling and marina. Get out into nature with places such as Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre and Sabah Agricultural Park. Cultural attractions include Sabah State Museum and Mari Mari Cultural Village. Locals like to shop at Centre Point and KK Plaza.
What's the best way to get to and around Kota Kinabalu while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in and around Kota Kinabalu in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is Kota Kinabalu (BKI-Kota Kinabalu Intl.), located 4 mi (6.5 km) away from the city centre. After you've arrived, you may want to use public transport to get around. Train stations including Tanjung Aru Station and Putatan Station make it easy to see more of the surrounding area.